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Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hit a homer with a negative-6 degree launch angle
TL;DR
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals hit a home run with an unusual negative-6 degree launch angle, defying typical expectations for home runs. This unique hit showcases the unpredictability of baseball.
Key points
- Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run with a negative-6 degree launch angle
- Negative launch angles are unconventional for home runs
- The hit highlights the unpredictability of baseball
Bobby Witt Jr.Kansas City Royals
Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hit a homer with a negative-6 degree launch angle originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When you picture a home run in your mind's eye, there are a couple possibilities.
There's the majestic, towering, light tower-scraping blast. And there's the frozen rope line drive. There might even be the one that barely ekes it's way over the wall at all. And hey, maybe you just thought of an inside-the-park home run.
But what you almost certainly didn't picture is a ground ball.
Kansas City Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run on a grounder on Saturday.
MORE:Why MLB's pink bat tradition works so well
With all the data available to us now, we know that Witt's homer came on a launch angle of negative-six degrees -- meaning it traveled immediately at a downward angle when it was hit.
Yet there Witt was, sliding home with an inside-the-parker, one ruled by the scorekeeper to be a home run, no errors involved.
Have a look for yourself:
Q&A
How did Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run with a negative launch angle?
Bobby Witt Jr. hit a home run with a negative-6 degree launch angle, which is unconventional as home runs typically require a positive launch angle.
What are the implications of a negative launch angle for home runs in baseball?
A negative launch angle challenges traditional hitting mechanics and suggests that home runs can occur under unusual circumstances, highlighting the unpredictability of the game.
What does a negative launch angle mean for Bobby Witt Jr.'s hitting technique?
A negative launch angle indicates that Witt Jr. may have made contact with the ball in a way that is atypical for power hitters, potentially leading to discussions about his hitting approach.
